Introduction: The Lesson from Earthquake Events
Peace be upon you. Earthquake events carry many lessons, so seize them without tiring, my brothers; Allah the Almighty has said: "Indeed, in their stories, there is a lesson for those of understanding." (Quran 13:29) Living examples that embody great principles have an impact that is etched in the hearts.
One of the most profound lessons that should remain etched in our memory is that: you have no rights with Allah in this world; so rejoice in what He has given you and do not be displeased about what He has withheld from you.
To Whom is This Lesson Directed?
We all need this lesson, especially:
- You, who complain about fate because you lost your job, or fell ill, or suffered a loss in your business, or the death of one of your children.
- And you, who have not been blessed with a spouse, or Allah has not given you beauty like He has given to others whom you compare yourself to.
- Indeed, there are people who are displeased with Allah's decree if their car breaks down on the road, or a passing car splashes them with water and mud, or the ball they kicked flies far from the goal, or a friend jokes with them in a heavy manner, and they may even utter disbelief because of that - seek refuge in Allah - and all of this is arrogance towards Allah.
Lessons of Patience from Under the Rubble
Look at these brothers who are afflicted and distressed, who were terrified, displaced, and exposed to bombardment after bombardment, so they lost what they lost, then came this earthquake and destroyed much of what remained for them; they understood that you have no rights with Allah in this world.
Look at this father, the first thing he says after he and his daughter were rescued: "Praise be to Allah for the blessing of faith and for the blessing of their salvation," as for the other blessings, he had them for a time and his Lord and Creator, glorified and exalted be He, restored them to him. And look at this sister who came out after nine days of suffering under the rubble and had lost - apparently - everything. Did she complain? Did she object? No, the first thing she said was praise and contentment.
The Concept of Rights Between the Servant and His Creator
Your right upon Allah is only what He has obligated upon Himself:
- That He, glorified and exalted be He, be with you when you seek refuge in Him, comforting and aiding you.
- That He makes you grateful in prosperity and patient in adversity.
- Then He made it your right upon Him that He admits you to Paradise if you single Him out, glorified and exalted be He.
How at ease is the one who understands this truth! And how joyful he is with any blessing that Allah preserves for him! But you, who complain about fate, have assumed that you have rights with Allah: wealth, beauty, health, security, family unity, and respect from others. So if Allah takes one of them from you, you say to yourself: "My Lord has wronged me" - far is He from that, glorified and exalted be He.
The Reality of Trials and the Station of Servitude
He, glorified and exalted be He, only trials you as a fulfillment of what He promised; for He promised us that He will test us: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." (Quran 2:155)
Do you, whom Allah has spared, expect to be tried with severe calamities so that you may learn the station of servitude from the station of divinity? So that you may learn that you have no rights with Allah in this world, that you may rejoice in what He has given you and not be displeased about what He has withheld from you? Rather, rejoice now, and realize that the "default state" is that Allah is not obligated to give you anything. So if He gives you health and withholds wealth, security, and family unity from you, rejoice in what He has given you and do not be displeased about what He has tried you with by taking it away.
The Difference Between Displeasure with Injustice and Contentment with Fate
You are displeased with the unjust who deprive you of your right or harm you unjustly and arrogantly, but you are content with the decree of Allah who has tried you with them to bring out from you the servitude of seeking refuge, seeking help from Allah against them, and patience in that.
Realize this truth so that you may be content, reassured, and at ease, and do not oppose it, for the laws of Allah are dominant. Rejoice in the blessings of Allah, submit to Him, and be content with what He has decreed for you; for he who is content will have contentment, and he who is displeased will have displeasure.
Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.